Usually, amateur astronomers can find facilities for observation in a Stellar Park. Since they are close to urban areas, it is necessary to protect them from light pollution, taking advantage of the topography of the location. These actions should be reinforced with specific actions by the municipality or private entities to adapt artificial lighting.

Stellariums™

Stellariums are a simple, permanent infrastructure installed in areas with a clear, dark sky. They allow leisure activities related to the contemplation of the stars and astronomical observation.

They are “viewpoints open to the sky”, promoted by governments, organizations or private entities to encourage interest in the contemplation of the heavens and astronomical knowledge among the public.

Stellariums are intended to facilitate the cultural and educational knowledge of the Universe and provide a basic tool to groups and associations of amateur astronomers for their observations.

These facilities can be located in places with good sky quality (Reserves / Destinations) or locations with a lower quality sky but with good conditions to for observation.

Those interested in starting the process must submit a completed Application Pack to fundacionstarlight@fundacionstarlight.org

Camps

A camp is also an important learning tool for young people. The Foundation qualifies as “Starlight Camps” those accredited facilities that organize activities to promote awareness of the starry sky as part of nature and offer sustainable tourism that respects the environment and protects the night sky. A Starlight Camp must also meet minimum quality levels and in this regard, the Foundation takes into account the activities organized, the audience it addresses, the facilities available and the geographical space where it is located.

Restaurants

Starlight Certification for Restaurants is a qualification awarded by the Starlight Foundation to those establishments which, as well as offering accredited quality, also become involved as active agents in the promotion of the values contained in the “Declaration in Defense of the Night Sky and the Right to Starlight” and which provide their customers with information about Starlight as well as means and instruments for astronomical observation.

Starlight Wilderness

It is a qualification designed for applicants (institutions, organizations, individuals) who simply want to qualify and certify the quality of the sky in an area over which they have competence but no immediate intention of developing astronomical, tourist or any other activities.

Locations which already have a program of educational, cultural and other activities will be classified as Stellar Parks.

In addition to the certification that qualifies the sky, the Foundation, in these cases at the request of stakeholders, offers to conduct a consultancy study to consider which astronomy-related educational or tourism possibilities could be developed in these places.

Other Modalities

The Foundation is open to the possibility of awarding other accreditations to those spaces or places that meet a number of less restrictive conditions and which are favorable to the contemplation of the stars. To award the certification, the Foundation will study the resources and the values of the location, the qualifications of the management team, etc. These may be, for example, certain routes or camps.